Hal Blumenfeld, PhD

Consciousness is central to human life, allowing people to experience and respond to the world. The Blumenfeld Lab investigates brain mechanisms of normal consciousness and when epileptic seizures impair consciousness. They use powerful brain imaging techniques, electrical measurements, and behavioral testing. By understanding the mechanisms of consciousness, we hope to restore normal consciousness to patients with epilepsy and other brain disorders. Their work investigates brain networks, including the interaction between the cerebral cortex and deeper structures, such as the thalamus and brainstem. The lab uses single-cell and larger-scale electrical recordings, multi-modal neuroimaging with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), neurotransmitter measurements, and other techniques. Their goal is to rapidly translate research lab findings into practical applications, significantly improving the quality of life.

animal models ;  behavioral testing ;  brain stimulation ;  electrophysiology ;  functional magnetic resonance imaging ;  optogenetics  

cellular neuroscience ;  circuits ;  cognitive neuroscience ;  neurological disorders ;  systems neuroscience  

Hal Blumenfeld received his bachelor's degree from Harvard, MD and PhD from Columbia, neurology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, and then came to Yale for his clinical fellowship in epilepsy and postdoc in neuroscience. Since joining the faculty of the neurology, neuroscience and neurosurgery departments he is now Mark Loughride and Michele Williams Professor and director of the interdisciplinary Clinical Neuroscience Imaging Center (CNIC). He spends the Jewish High Holidays every year with his family in his other job as cantor of the Jewish Community of Barbados.